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Whatever’s Brought You Here
It is completely normal to be unsure what you need, whether that’s understanding coercive control, applying under Clare’s Law, a non-molestation order or something else entirely. Most people don’t know what they need, but with McKenzie Picave, you will never be left to work it out alone. You might be wondering:
Whichever one of these resonates with you, we can help you work out what happens next.
Daniel Ryan: 20+ Years Supporting Families Through Domestic Abuse and Family Court
For over two decades, Daniel Ryan has worked alongside people facing difficult family court matters. His experience includes cases involving domestic abuse and other complex family law issues.
As the founder of McKenzie Picave, Daniel has been involved in more than 3,000 family law cases. He has also spent over 25,000 hours supporting people in courtrooms throughout England and Wales.
McKenzie Picave grew from Daniel’s belief that people should be able to access practical support when they need it. As he puts it, “there are people who just need to be helped”. That principle continues to shape the way the team supports people through what can be an unfamiliar and stressful court process.
Daniel also shares his experience and views on family law through his podcast, That Family Law Guy: Unfiltered.
Considered insights on the law that affects you
That Family Law Guy: Unfiltered
Our founder’s podcast and articles unpack the legal issues we see most often in non-legal jargon.
Episode 1
Does Family Court Enable Continued Abuse? | Court Red Flags
With Carrie, Lejla Dauti & Louise Cadman
Episode 2
Can Domestic Abusers Change? | Protect, Punish or Prevent?
With Carrie, Lejla Dauti & Louise Cadman
Episode 3
Do Paying Fans Think They Own You? | Unfiltered Podcast
With Irshad, Lucie & Vicci
Episode 4
Can Family Court Take Your Child Away? | A Father’s Story
With Andrea, Camilla & David
Episode 5
When Does an Argument Become Domestic Abuse? | Red Flags
With Carrie, Lejla Dauti & Louise Cadman
Episode 6
Why Are Women on OnlyFans Judged So Harshly? | Unfiltered Podcast
With Irshad, Lucie & Mike
Episode 8
Do False Abuse Claims Harm Real Victims? | Family Court
With Lejla Dauti, Carrie and Louise Cadman
Episode 9
OnlyFans, Allegations & the Cost of Family Court | Unfiltered Podcast
With Lucie, Mike & Vicci
Episode 11
When Family Court Orders Are Ignored | Who Pays the Price?
With Irshad, Mike & Vicci
Read Our Related Guides
Guidance for Understanding Domestic Abuse
CAFCASS Domestic Abuse Policy
CAFCASS – Children And Family Court Advisory and Support Service – is expecting to update its domestic abuse policy in October 2024. The revised policy aims to omprove CAFCASS’ respons...
The Increased Use Of Spy Cameras By Abusers
The prevalence of spy cameras and surveillance devices in domestic settings, particularly in the UK, is a cause for concern. Mainstream retailers and online platforms like Amazon and eBay have made it d...
Domestic Violence is Tainting Homes Across The UK
Does it feel good to raise your hand to her? Does it feel good to tower over her and see her cower? Does it feel like you are in control? Do you feel like the master? Do you see the bruises as trophies?...
UK Family Court Delays
The UK Family Court System Is Under Immense Pressure — But Is Meaningful Reform Politically Attractive? The UK family court system is struggling under the weight of rising caseloads, limited resources a...
What Are Examples of Coercive Control?
Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour used to intimidate or control another person. It is not always obvious from the outside and may develop gradually over time.
Examples of coercive control can include:
- Controlling who you see or spend time with
- Monitoring your phone, messages or social media
- Restricting your access to money or controlling your spending
- Deciding what you can or cannot wear
- Repeatedly criticising, belittling or humiliating you
- Preventing or discouraging you from working
- Using threats or intimidation to influence your behaviour
Individual disagreements or difficult moments within a relationship do not automatically amount to coercive control. What is important is the wider pattern of behaviour and the effect it has on your independence, safety and day-to-day life.
If you are questioning whether behaviour you are experiencing may constitute domestic abuse, speaking to someone outside of the situation can help you understand your options.
How to Prepare if Domestic Abuse Is Affecting Your Family Court Case
You don’t need to understand every legal process before you ask for help. If domestic abuse is affecting you or your family, a good starting point is understanding what options may be available and what information could be relevant if your situation reaches family court.
If it is safe to do so, keeping a clear record of incidents and concerning behaviour can be helpful. This could include messages, emails, photographs, financial records or notes of what happened and when. Domestic abuse is not always a single incident and information showing a wider pattern of controlling, threatening or abusive behaviour may be relevant to your case.
Depending on your circumstances, there are different routes through the family court. You may need protection from a current or former partner through a non-molestation order or need the court to decide who can live in the family home through an occupation order. If children are involved, domestic abuse may also need to be considered as part of decisions around child arrangements.
You may also come across Cafcass if your case involves children. Cafcass considers the welfare and safety of children and may ask about allegations or concerns relating to domestic abuse. Our Cafcass guide explains more about what to expect and how Cafcass may be involved in your case.
McKenzie Picave has supported people through family court proceedings for more than 20 years and has built strong relationships with barristers during that time. When your circumstances require formal legal advice or advocacy, we can help you access it alongside our ongoing support. McKenzie Picave is not a solicitors’ practice, but you are never left without a route to appropriate legal support when your case calls for it.
If you’re unsure what your next step should be, get in touch and book a free, no-obligation consultation. You don’t need to have everything figured out before speaking to us.
Tell us what’s happening and what you need.
We help you organise documents, write statements and know what to expect.
We are by your side for every hearing and every step after.
What Is Clare’s Law and How Do You Apply?
Clare’s Law, formally known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, allows people to ask the police whether a current or former partner has a history of abusive or violent behaviour.
You can make a request if you are concerned about your own partner, or in some circumstances if you are worried about someone you know.
The police will consider the request and carry out relevant checks. If they believe there is information that should be disclosed to help protect someone from harm, they may share appropriate information.
A Clare’s Law application does not automatically mean information will be provided. Any disclosure will depend on the circumstances and whether the police consider it necessary and proportionate.
More information on Clare’s Law and how McKenzie Picave can support you if your situation leads to family court proceedings can be found here.
Domestic Abuse Support and Resources
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
A confidential helpline offering support and guidance to women experiencing domestic abuse, including information about safety and specialist services.
Women’s Aid
Provides information about domestic abuse, including recognising different forms of abuse and finding specialist services in your area.
Men’s Advice Line
A confidential support service for men experiencing domestic abuse, offering practical information and emotional support.
GOV UK Domestic Abuse Guidance
Official government information covering domestic abuse, protective orders and routes to further support.
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
Domestic abuse can leave you questioning your own judgement, particularly when the behaviour has developed gradually or does not involve physical violence.
You may be trying to understand whether what you are experiencing is coercive control, thinking about applying under Clare’s Law or considering whether you need legal protection.
McKenzie Picave provides practical and emotional support to people dealing with family law issues, including those affected by domestic abuse. We can help you understand the options available to you, explain unfamiliar processes and support you as you decide what to do next.
We are not a solicitors’ practice, but we have more than 20 years’ experience supporting families and access to our own partner chambers of barristers when formal legal support is required.
You do not need to know exactly what help you need before getting in touch.
Book a free, no-obligation consultation and talk to us about your situation.
FAQs
What are the different types of domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse can take many forms and does not always involve physical violence. It can include emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial or economic abuse and controlling or coercive behaviour. Different forms of abuse can also happen alongside one another.
Can domestic abuse happen after a relationship has ended?
Yes. Abusive behaviour can continue or begin after separation. This could involve harassment, threats, financial control or attempts to control aspects of your life after the relationship has ended. Where children are involved, abusive behaviour may also affect communication and arrangements between parents.
What should I do if domestic abuse is affecting my children?
If you are concerned about your children’s safety or wellbeing, it is important to take those concerns seriously and seek appropriate support. Depending on the circumstances, domestic abuse may also become relevant to decisions about child arrangements. McKenzie Picave can help you understand the family court process and how concerns about domestic abuse may be considered.
Can domestic abuse be financial rather than physical?
Yes. Economic abuse can involve restricting access to money, controlling spending, preventing someone from working, taking out debts in their name or deliberately making them financially dependent. It can form part of a wider pattern of controlling behaviour.